As Cong Battles Rifts in Manipur, BJP Readies to Repeat Assam Script

GUWAHATI: Amid demonstrations seeking introduction of the Line Permit System, Manipur sees political parties leaving no stones unturned as the Assembly polls come closer.

Congress, which is ruling the state for the third consecutive term, is plagued with anti-incumbency and dissents. Some dissident Congress leaders have also shown inclination towards the BJP, which is charged up to repeat the Assam success in Manipur. BJP insiders claimed that some Congress leaders were expected to join them shortly.

The BJP has grown in the state through the last five years and has set up a strong organisational base. Like Assam, RSS cadres have fanned out in the state to bring in a “change“.

“Our organisation and different affi liates are working among tribals, Christians and Muslims. Given the state's penchants for sports, we are working in the field of sports and organising sporting events. Presently thousands of cadres are working in the grassroots,“ a senior RSS leader told ET, refusing to be quoted.

Unlike Assam, where the BJP cobbled up a grand alliance, in Manipur, the Saffron party is likely to go it alone, Convener of the BJP-led anti-Congress platform Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA), Himanta Biswa Sarma, told ET. BJP president Amit Shah will interact with party workers in Imphal on September 15.

Congress is also busy making its strategy. Last time, it had contested the elections on its own but this time, a section of leaders is willing to have an electoral understanding with the CPI -something in line with that the party had in Bengal. In 2003 and 2007, the CPI was part of the Congress-led Secular Progressive Front coalition. The parties fought the 2007 elections separately but continued with the partnership. The CPI won four seats in 2007. In 2012 polls, the CPI opted to contest on its own.

The BJP's ally in Nagaland and member of NEDA, Naga People's Front (NPF), is an opposition party in Manipur Assembly. Manipur NPF won four seats out of 12 it had contested in 2012.The NPF support base in Manipur is in hill areas.

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh racked up the issue of Nagalim in 2012 Assembly polls. Nagalim stipulates integration of Naga inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar.

Ruling Congress is asking the Centre to make public the details of framework agreement inked by NSCN-IM and government of India last year.